The former Henwood Park star was among the first in line when Wanderers got the nod to enter sides into Capital Football and looked a prime leadership candidate under women’s manager Mick Godbier.

Harris previously voiced her desire to be coached by Godbier, telling The Daily Advertiser in November that she had “wanted to work with him for ages”.

“I really love his coaching style – he just knows so much and has that higher level experience,” Harris said at the time.

“I think he raises the intensity of training as well which is great because that’s something that’s probably lacking at (Leonard Cup) level.”

Now, she’s set to lead the charge and no-one is happier about it than the master coach himself.

“We kept things pretty quiet when we first put the squad together but I’ve been wanting to work with her for ages and she’ll be our captain, for sure,” Godbier said.

“I was really excited when she came on board because I’ve been waiting to coach that young lady for a long time and I’ve just got so much respect for her.

“I think any side with Maddy Harris playing in it is going to be an exciting side.”

The announcement might have been kept quiet prior to the new year but Godbier has launched the Harris-led Wanderers into January’s pre-season with aplomb.

“We got started pretty early before Christmas and we’re back training three times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays – with good numbers so far.”

“It’s been pretty hot out there but the girls are training really well and we’ve already got a few pre-season fixtures sorted.”

Godbier said he was pleased with the squad’s current structure but insisted there was room for new additions ahead of their debut NPLW season.

“We’ve had a bit of interest from players, one from Canberra who’s interested too.”

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